It's a proud moment for Emil Anderson Construction (EAC) after receiving the Paving award for its work on Highway 97C east of Merritt.
The company was one of five contractors across B.C. recognized for "their approach to service and innovation, while helping people and goods stay on the move" during the B.C. Transportation Contractor of the Year (BTCY) awards. According to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT), the awards honour the "achievements in construction, road and bridge maintenance, safety and community service."
“These awards are a spotlight on the tremendous contributions that construction and maintenance contractors make to life in British Columbia,” said Mike Farnworth, the Minister of Transportation and Transit. “By supporting our world-class highway system, they keep travellers safe, our communities connected and our economy strong. The stories behind this year’s winners point to the entire sector’s commitment to public service, effective partnerships and excellence in road construction and maintenance.”
According to MOTT's Friday afternoon (Dec. 6) press release, EAC received the award for "exceeding standards" while working on the highway section between the Elkhart brake check and John's Creek. In particular, the award was given for the company's design aspects like asphalt quality and "exceptionally smooth riding surface."
"The project’s safety focus included comprehensive training for new staff," MOTT said in the press release. "EAC maintained strong communication with ministry staff and other stakeholders, ensuring minimal disruption and safe traffic flow during construction while delivering the project on time and under budget."
First started in 1938 in Fort Williams, ON, EAC is a multi-discipline contractor with offices in both Chilliwack and Kelowna. The company first moved to B.C. after being awarded a four-year contract to rebuild the western half of the Hope-Princeton Highway. It relocated its head office to Hope and, according to its website, "began expanding its services and geographical reach."
After being awarded a four-year contract to rebuild the western half of the Hope-Princeton Highway in BC, the head office relocated to Hope and began expanding its services and geographical reach. Four generations later, EAC is now a leading contractor in B.C. with ties to many of the province's prominent infrastructure.
Though EAC no longer has offices in Hope, the company still maintains its connection to the community through Emil Anderson Maintenance (EAM). Both EAC and EAM are part of the Emil Anderson Group (EAG) and EAM has been providing highway and bridge maintenance services to MOTI in the Fraser Valley since 1996. In fact, EAM recently did work on Highway 7 near Hope after a rockslide on Nov. 14 caused extensive damage to the asphalt and necessitated significant cleanup efforts.
—with files from Jennifer Feinberg and Dillon White.
